It’s Time To Daydream About LeBron On The Warriors

Don’t panic: We’re about to discuss Draymond Green, but not because of his taste for provocation or his general Draymond-hood. It’s just a little item ahead of NBA free agency opening Tuesday afternoon, which means there may be less here than meets the eye, but just enough to meet the funny bone.

Green will reportedly decline his $27 million player option for 2027, days after Golden State Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. said the team was optimistic that he would return. OK, that’s a little odd, but nothing to endanger your delicates over. It’s the only thing we really know.

But Green’s decision offers the tantalizing notion that he might even consider leaving the only NBA team he’s ever known, even though the more likely outcome is that he’s taking a pay cut to bring in some new old blood. The Athletic suspects Green might re-up in Golden State anyway, while ESPN suggests it might be part of a byzantine plan for the Warriors to sign LeBron James to the $15.1 million midlevel exception, and somehow find a way to relitigate the 2016 NBA Finals all within one team.